July 2014

07/31/2014

Three Bad Habits That Are Killing Your Blog

Believe it or not, every blog has a personality. It’s hard to see this when you are posting content on a regular basis, but your readers will easily pick up on things that you might not notice.

Unfortunately, there are some habits that could be sucking the life out of your blog and dampening its overall effect on your brand image. Are you guilty of any of the following?

Providing too much personal information: Now don’t get me wrong, adding a little bit of personal information, like an anecdote about your day or a recent family outing gone awry, can help build a connection with readers if used sparingly. However, make sure to draw a firm line between your personal life and your professional blog. If you do add a personal touch to your blog, make sure it’s tasteful, positive and helps support the larger topic at hand. Avoid ranting and raving at all costs. Continue reading “Three Bad Habits That Are Killing Your Blog”

07/30/2014

Target and Home Depot among Brands Busted with Fake Followers: Lessons Every Content Marketer Should Know

People enjoy following and engaging with their favorite brands on Twitter. And for us marketers, it’s part of the job to have Twitter open throughout the workday; it’s where we find inspiration for stories, content programs and engagement tactics. But what if you found out that you were among a sea of fake Twitter followers for a brand you personally love? And, even worse, what if you discovered that a brand you look towards as a leader for social media engagement was full of phony numbers? Continue reading “Target and Home Depot among Brands Busted with Fake Followers: Lessons Every Content Marketer Should Know”

07/29/2014

Do You Really Want to Be a Thought Leader?

In a bit of an “Ah-Ha!” moment recently, it struck me that one of the most common content obstacles I see marketers wrestling with is fear. Not fear of heights or spiders, but rather of disseminating content that steps on toes or frames a discussion in a different—perhaps even controversial—way.

Continue reading “Do You Really Want to Be a Thought Leader?”

07/29/2014

Will We See You in Vegas? Content Marketing Takes Center Stage

For those of you who’ve attended one of TMC’s ITEXPO events, chances are you’re spending the next few days resting up, charging the tablet and resting your voice in preparation of four dynamic, informative, action-packed conference days. That’s because ITEXPO is a nonstop event filled with countless breakout sessions, keynote presentations and networking opportunities. So rest up now!

Continue reading “Will We See You in Vegas? Content Marketing Takes Center Stage”

07/28/2014

Why Content Marketers Need to be More Like Journalists

Are your current content marketing efforts falling short? Are you close to giving up? Content marketing is a challenge for many businesses large and small. After all, producing enough content to feed the proverbial marketing beast is difficult.

The biggest reason why marketers fail at content marketing, however, is not because they can’t keep up with content. Rather, the challenge is creating content that’s actually engaging. In other words, marketers write like marketers: copy that’s grossly promotional, stale and, frankly, uninteresting. Continue reading “Why Content Marketers Need to be More Like Journalists”

07/24/2014

What Marketers Can Learn From Food Blogs

On the nights when I don’t have plans with friends, I find myself searching for new food recipes online to make for my family. I’m no Top Chef, but I know my way around the kitchen. While reading my favorite food blog “Not Without Salt,” I got thinking: marketers can learn a lot from food blogs. Not only are they instructional, informative and easy to read, but they’re entertaining and engaging— all things that we as marketers should keep in mind while blogging.

Continue reading “What Marketers Can Learn From Food Blogs”

07/22/2014

With August Approaching the Question on Marketers’ Minds is, ‘How Can I Slow Down Time?’

Here at the office, I am constantly chastised by my team for saying the following: Summer is almost over. And I don’t say it to be cruel. After the polar vortex last winter, I am hardly wishing for snow.

It’s just that as marketers, the fast-pace of the job keeps us on our toes, our fingers feverishly typing away on the keyboard and our carpal tunnel persistent. And, before we know it, June turns to July, July turns to August, and August turns to September, which starts fall. (See… I’m not that off in my thinking with how fast the weeks go).

Continue reading “With August Approaching the Question on Marketers’ Minds is, ‘How Can I Slow Down Time?’”

07/21/2014

Louis C.K. Speaks To You Like a Friend, and It Works

Even if you’re not a fan of the comedian, it might be worth your while to sign up for Louis C.K.’s mailing list or make sure to periodically check out his website from time to time.

In terms of content on his website, there’s not much there. But you should try to take a look at the content that does live there that gets updated every few months which can be found in the news section (which, as someone who is signed up for his mailing list, I believe doubles as his mailing list updates as well). Continue reading “Louis C.K. Speaks To You Like a Friend, and It Works”